The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) announced the expansion of the state’s first wetland restoration project on Kaua‘i, the Kawai‘ele Waterbird Sanctuary.
The expansion will include 100 acres of wetland, and will provide additional habitat for native Hawaiian birds.
According to Jason Vercelli of the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife, four native water birds now inhabit the shallow ponds: the Hawaiian stilt, Hawaiian coot, the Hawaiian gallinule and the Koloa duck.
“The Koloa Maoli, living in wetland habitats that absorb carbon, provide resilience to storm surges, and act as an indicator of saltwater intrusion, can help show us, in a fun way, where we need to take action to make Hawaii climate ready.” said Anu Hittle, the commission’s coordinator.
According to the press release, Hawaiian ducks were once abundant across the state, but the population declines along with the amount of wetlands.